§ 20-37.5. Definitions.
Unless the context requires otherwise, the following definitions apply throughout this Article to the defined words and phrases and their cognates:
(1) “Distinguishing license plate” means a license plate that displays the International Symbol of Access using the same color, size of plate, and size of letters or numbers as a regular plate.
(1a) Guardian. – Any of the following: a. Custodian. – As defined in G.S. 7B-101(8). b. General guardian. – As defined in G.S. 35A-1202(7). c. Guardian of the person. – As defined in G.S. 35A-1202(10).
(2) “Handicapped” shall mean a person with a mobility impairment who, as determined by a licensed physician: a. Cannot walk 200 feet without stopping to rest; b. Cannot walk without the use of, or assistance from, a brace, cane, crutch, another person, prosthetic device, wheelchair, or other assistive device; c. Is restricted by lung disease to such an extent that the person’s forced (respiratory) expiratory volume of one second, when measured by spirometry, is less than one liter, or the arterial oxygen tension is less than 60 mm/hg on room air at rest; d. Uses portable oxygen; e. Has a cardiac condition to the extent that the person’s functional limitations are classified in severity as Class III or Class IV according to standards set by the American Heart Association; f. Is severely limited in their ability to walk due to an arthritic, neurological, or orthopedic condition; or g. Is totally blind or whose vision with glasses is so defective as to prevent the performance of ordinary activity for which eyesight is essential, as certified by a licensed ophthalmologist, optometrist, or the Division of Services for the Blind.
(3) “International Symbol of Access” means the symbol adopted by Rehabilitation International in 1969 at its Eleventh World Congress on Rehabilitation of the Disabled.
(4) “Removable windshield placard” means a two-sided, hooked placard which includes on each side: a. The International Symbol of Access, which is at least three inches in height, centered on the placard, and is white on a blue shield; b. An identification number; c. An expiration date that is visible from at least 20 feet and the month and year of expiration; and d. The seal or other identification of the issuing authority. (1967, c. 296, s. 5; 1977, c. 340, s. 1; 1991, c. 411, s. 1; 2009-493, s. 1; 2019-213, s. 1(a).)
Official text of N.C. Gen. Stat. § 20-37.5 as published by the North Carolina General Assembly (Chapter 20 PDF, retrieved November 10, 2026). Verify the current version on ncleg.gov ↗.